Prescott signs memoirs deal 'worth £500,000'

John Prescott's discretion was legendary in his decade at the heart of government. But that could be about to change after the former deputy prime minister agreed a lucrative publishing deal for his memoirs.

It will tell the story of his extraordinary rise from a ship's steward to a crucial figure in the New Labour election-winning machine.

After acquiring a literary agent, Mr Prescott recently clinched a book deal with an unnamed publisher.

His spokeswoman said: "I can confirm John is co-operating with publishers on a book of his life story." She refused to comment on how much he would be paid.

But Mr Prescott is reported to be in line for a payment of about £500,000. Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair's former director of communications, received a reported £1m for his diaries, while David Blunkett, the former Home Secretary, was paid £385,000.

The size of the advance will depend on his candour about colleagues and his affair with his former diary secretary, Tracey Temple. He has refused to speak in detail about the affair, apart from publicly apologising.

Mr Prescott was also at frosty meetings between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown at the former deputy prime minister's flat to discuss the handover of power.